Our Vision
To be at the forefront in the accounting and financial services industry, and to provide our clients with the best possible outcomes.
The JPA Team
Jim Pickersgill | Managing Director
Truth is, there isn't enough room here in this little square space to talk about Jim's extensive career and experience, so we created a whole new page just for him!
Click below to learn about the 'Jim' of Jim Pickersgill & Associates.
Lisa O'Brien | Operations Partner
Having worked in the travel industry for 25 years before beginning her career in the practice, Lisa is no stranger to organisation and impeccable customer service.
Lisa has worked with Jim since 2015 and loves her varied role that incorporates customer service and business manager, administration, and human resources officer.
You'll catch Lisa on hiking at Wilson’s Promontory when she's not at JPA and when she gets the chance, loves a quiet read too.
Syd Jackson | Partner
Syd Jackson is locally born and bred and he brings to JPA a variety of life experiences. After having taught in and directed school music programs both in Melbourne and locally, he has career changed by successfully obtaining degrees in accounting and financial planning. He is passionate about helping people and highly values connecting with financial planning clients. Syd certainly has been a valuable addition to the JPA team.
He is an active member of the local community and loves spending time with his wife and two boys on their small Meeniyan acreage. You may even spot him cycling on our country roads or participating in local music events.
Karen Newton | Administration
Karen has worked in the region for over 40 years, where she raised her family and built strong community ties.
Like JPA, Karen values the importance of family and brings that same commitment to her work. She loves the team environment at JPA and looks forward to assisting clients to ensure they have the best experience possible.
Katie Pickersgill | Senior Accountant
Katie qualified as an accountant in 2009 and prepares tax returns and BASs.
Like her great dad, Katie is proud to belong to a small rural accounting firm that is active in the community, particularly in advocating mental health and supporting anti-cancer charities.
When not in the JPA sorting everyone's finances, Katie enjoys reading, art, and spending time with her family.
Linda Richards | NDIS Plan Manager
Linda grew up in the local region before enjoying time in Melbourne and eventually returning to Gippsland to raise her family.
Having worked in the supermarket industry for most of her career, Linda has enjoyed a shift to the 'aged care' industry for the last 4 years and is now with JPA working with the NDIS team.
When she is not playing taxi to her three active kids you'll find her in the kitchen creating some baked delights or sneaking in a quiet read.
Leanne | Accountant
Leanne brings over 35 years of experience in bookkeeping and accounting across a wide range of industries. For the past eight years, she has specialised in tax within public practice accounting, supporting individuals and businesses.
Outside of work, Leanne and her family live on a beef farm, where life is balanced between numbers and nature. When not meeting the needs of two teenagers, she enjoys reading and baking, always finding time for the simple pleasures that keep her grounded.
Leonie Smith | Bookkeeper
Leonie was born and raised on a Gippsland farm and has worked in administrative and bookkeeping positions in various industries for more than
40 years in the local area.
Family is the most important thing in Leonie’s life, she also enjoys being in her garden, knitting and catching up with friends.
Lynne Nicholas | Senior Accountant
Lynne is the member of the JPA team you’ll want to see when it comes to preparing superannuation funds, and business and personal income tax returns.
She has worked in the accounting field for over 20 years after completing a Bachelor of Accounting and Economics at Swinburne University in 2002. Lynne began her career with a public practice the following year and is now a member of the Institute of Public Accountants.
A born and bred South Gippsland local, she comes from a family of farmers in both beef and dairy and loves watching sport, including cricket, tennis and motorsport.
Lynne has started playing lawn bowls so you might find her on bowling greens around the region.
Stacey Sargant | Senior Accountant
Stacey began her career in accounting with a local firm in 2006 while studying a double degree at Monash University.
After finishing a Bachelor of Business and Commerce (Accounting) and Bachelor of Sport and Outdoor Recreation, she completed the Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accounting, and was admitted as a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in 2011.
Outside of accounting, Stacey enjoys going on outdoor adventures with her children, bike riding, camping, gardening and supporting her children in achieving their sporting dreams.
A passionate member of the local community, Stacey is also the secretary of Leongatha Little Athletics Club, and a life member of the South Gippsland Shire Brass Band.
Sarah Lewis | Administration
Sarah may look familiar as she’s called Leongatha home her entire life.
An avid runner, Sarah regularly takes part in athletics and local Parkruns, often accompanied by Raven or Dove, her two rescue dogs. Her passion for animals doesn’t stop there, she also fosters dogs for animal rescue groups!
Sarah has also adopted a Brumby named Red, adding to her growing family of beloved animals. When she’s not running or riding, Sarah enjoys unwinding with a good book and spending quality time with the dogs.
Melissa Harrison | NDIS Plan Manager
I’m Melissa, my friends call me Smellz - although I am assured it's a term of endearment.
Having grown up on a farm in Leongatha, I am familiar with our amazing local region and I feel very lucky to now be working with a great local practice in a field I am passionate about. My NDIS career launched after a 15 year stint working in retail and I have never looked back!
I am now the NDIS Customer Service Officer at JPA and love the change, the challenge and the personal reward. The JPA team are also fantastic to work alongside of (I promise they didn't make me write that).
I love watching any sports, also play tennis, netball and going on adventures with friends. Painfully a Bombers fan and I make sure to watch the boys play every game.
